The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-11-12
TITLES TO THE BARRACKS
TEE DISTRICT ATTORNEY MAXI NG
UP HIS REPORT.

-
UP HIS REPORT.
Mr.. Guerry's Views in Regard to the
Appropriation-W What He Says About
the Opposition to the Sale and It's Eff
fect-Progress of His Investigation.
District Attorney Query has not yet
completed his investigation Of the titles to
the barracks property. He is at work upon
the matter, however, and hopes to be able
10 submit his report to the Attorney General
in short time There is a large amount Of
work in the investigation, which, in connec-
ton with Mr. Guorry's other duties, requires
a great deal Of time to get through with
He is pushing the matter through as rapidly
as he can.
There is good deal of interest in the in
vestigation and in Mr.. GuerTy's report, but
what it will be he is not prepared to say.
II has been stated that it will be favorable
to an acceptance of the property by the
government. Mr. Query was seen yester-
dav and was asked what the nature of his re-
port will be, Hereplied that inasmuch as it is
his official duty to report his views on the
whole title to the Attorney General, he
could not in advance disclose any final con
clusion on that subject, even if he had
reached any, although he may have been
quite frank in discussing with others the
questions that have arisen during his inves-
tigation. g do not object, though he
said, ito making general statement of the
present status and immediate prospects of
the proposed purchase
ONLY $4,000 APPROPRIATED.
In reference to the appropriation, Mr.
Query went on TO explain that Congress,
A.rs A-x - To-. 81. c..
rotary of the Treasury by purchase or
otherwise TO provide a site and cause to be
erected thereon the building contemplated
which together are not to exceed in cost
S200, 900 This act,n Mr.. Query said
''makes no appropriation whatever. The
only appropriation made is i'll the
act of Aug. 4, 1886, which appro-
pirates $4,000 for the purchase of
a site and commencing the erection
of the building The idea of the Congress
seems TO have been to make the appfopria
tions only as needed. As tue partial appro-
priation of S50,000 made over fifteen
months ago, has not been needed, and may
not be needed before the approaching ses-
sion of the Congress- your Representative
may, fear have much difficulty in pro-
curing an additional appropriation for the
purposes of the original act"
How sor
The existence of an unexpended sum of
$50, 600, so difficult of investment might be
used as fatal argument against him, and
cause the matter to be deferred until
another session of Congress, if no greater
delay or worse result should ensue.n
What about the title to the property"
THE OBJECTION TO THE SALE
''The principal trouble that has so far de-
veloped itself in the matter of title is that
one of the gentlemen interested in the prop
erty has given me written notice that he
has not consented to the sale and will not
do so. This may necessitate an abandon
ment of the proposed purchase. or legal
proceedings for a condemnation of the
property, or some part Of it. Either course
would, / fear, cause indefinite delay, if no
worse result"
THE cause of opposition" Mr. Query
said, seems to have narrowed down to
continuing desire on the part of some to yet
secure the construction of a hotel ON the
proposed site. Should the government he
added, abandon its proposed purchase.
under the present state of feeling among
the owners, they might not for years to
come agree among themselves in the hotel
enterprise / understand that they pur-
chased the property for that purpose at the
sale that occurred nearly four years ago.
Yet up TO this time nothing more has been
accomplished toward its construction.
Should the government determine on con-
domination delay would be inevitable.
Mr.. GUERRY WANTS HARMONY.
II can see very well how honest differences
of opinion as to the suitability of the site
might arise, and have no partisan feelings
on the subject. But am frank to say that
would gladly see harmony prevail in the
present selection, because should another be
made it would hardly prove satisfactory to
all concerned, if indeed to as many as are
now content
g II the wishes and views of large ma
iority of the owners of the property and of
the citizens are not to prevail, Mr.. Query
added, 1.-THE minority may in the end find
tia. il is an easier matter TO defeat the pur
poses Of others than it is to succeed with
their own, however honest and honorable
they may be. The issue sUSpends both
enterprises, and l shall proceed with my
duties as rapidly as l can consistently with
careful inquiry and consideration"